Cochiti Micaceous Clay Bell By Josh Garcia

Joshua Garcia is from Santo Domingo Pueblo, about half way between Santa Fe and Albuquerque. His pottery bell ornaments have a clay slip containing mica, so there is a bit of sparkle to them. Inside the bell is a pottery clapper, and when the bell is moved, there is a clear ring which is pleasant to the ear. This bell has a deer with a “heart line”. The other side of the bell has a plant design. Joshua says this design represents the “beeweed” or wild spinach, which he gathered in the wild, boiled down and painted onto the pottery. The firing of the pottery turns this paint into a lovely black color. This bell would appeal to those who collect bells or enjoy trimming a southwest style Christmas tree. The bell is a bit more than two inches tall (6 cm.). Figures and designs vary.